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Jim · 04-12-2005, 02:26 PM

I'm having a problem with my CO2 and would appreciate any input you might have. I'm also hoping this isn't a stupid question

I have a 85G planted discus tank with a controller-maintained pH of 6.8 (full tank stats below). The CO2 set-up does work properly, but it seems that during the day, the CO2 is rarely flowing. Shouldn't it be running most of the day with the lighting cycle? When it is flowing (seems rare), the pH will drop quickly. For example, it takes less than 10 minutes fo the tank to go from 6.8 to 6.5, if I dial the pH setting on the controller down a bit. Is this normal?

Based on other posts, it sounds like people run their systems non-stop with the lighting cycle. I realize that my controller set-up operates a little differently, but I'm not sure that I'm getting enough CO2 into the tank. Based on the CO2/KH/pH table it looks like I should have a good level (23.7 ppm), but I don't understand how this can be the case if my bubble counter is standing still everytime I look at it

Any thoughts?

I'm partly skeptical because the CO2 does not seem to have impacted my heavy BBA and green spot algae. The CO2 system is about 2 months old now.

On a separate note, I just emailed a request to join SFBAAPS. I'm looking forward to meeting with you guys in the near future. Thanks,

Jim

85G planted discus tank
Milwaukee pressurized CO2/pH controller/power reactor/
CO2 flow rate is 2 bubbles per second
KH: 5
GH: 7
TDS: 210
Combination of RO water and tap (in the process of moving to all RO to control extreme PO4 levels and hardness)
Fluval 404 canister filter
84 degrees
JBJ PC lighting, 3.0 wpg, 12 hours per day
Substrate is small to medium-sized gravel and Flourite
Fish load is moderate to heavy
Plant load is moderate
Greg Watson ferts: CSM+B+Fe (10ml 3x week), KNO3 maintained between 5-10 ppm, not currently dosing PO3 because existing levels in water are high (more than 5 ppm)

04-12-2005, 02:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jim Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 38 iTrader Ratings: 0 Plant Points: 3600	CO2 Not Flowing Properly? I'm having a problem with my CO2 and would appreciate any input you might have. I'm also hoping this isn't a stupid question I have a 85G planted discus tank with a controller-maintained pH of 6.8 (full tank stats below). The CO2 set-up does work properly, but it seems that during the day, the CO2 is rarely flowing. Shouldn't it be running most of the day with the lighting cycle? When it is flowing (seems rare), the pH will drop quickly. For example, it takes less than 10 minutes fo the tank to go from 6.8 to 6.5, if I dial the pH setting on the controller down a bit. Is this normal? Based on other posts, it sounds like people run their systems non-stop with the lighting cycle. I realize that my controller set-up operates a little differently, but I'm not sure that I'm getting enough CO2 into the tank. Based on the CO2/KH/pH table it looks like I should have a good level (23.7 ppm), but I don't understand how this can be the case if my bubble counter is standing still everytime I look at it Any thoughts? I'm partly skeptical because the CO2 does not seem to have impacted my heavy BBA and green spot algae. The CO2 system is about 2 months old now. On a separate note, I just emailed a request to join SFBAAPS. I'm looking forward to meeting with you guys in the near future. Thanks, Jim 85G planted discus tank Milwaukee pressurized CO2/pH controller/power reactor/ CO2 flow rate is 2 bubbles per second KH: 5 GH: 7 TDS: 210 Combination of RO water and tap (in the process of moving to all RO to control extreme PO4 levels and hardness) Fluval 404 canister filter 84 degrees JBJ PC lighting, 3.0 wpg, 12 hours per day Substrate is small to medium-sized gravel and Flourite Fish load is moderate to heavy Plant load is moderate Greg Watson ferts: CSM+B+Fe (10ml 3x week), KNO3 maintained between 5-10 ppm, not currently dosing PO3 because existing levels in water are high (more than 5 ppm)